A government spokesman today (April 24) reminded residents that the Black Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force.

Residents are urged to avoid all travel to Bangkok. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.

The spokesman said, "According to the latest information provided by the airlines, there will be adequate capacity for Hong Kong-bound flights from Bangkok in the coming two days to meet the needs of Hong Kong residents wishing to come back. Those in Bangkok who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Immigration Department (852) 1868."

As at 5pm today (April 24), the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department had handled six assistance cases since the Black OTA for Thailand (Bangkok) was issued on April 10. The assistancecases involved loss of travel documents in Bangkok and difficulty in arranging earlier flights back to Hong Kong. All the cases have been resolved.

Since March 10, 403 enquiries have been received. They were mainly about the OTA in force, local flight information and the latest situation in Bangkok.

The Security Bureau together with other relevant government bureaux and departments are closely monitoring the situation in Bangkok and surrounding areas. They have been in close liaison with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. Any update will be issued through the media and the OTA webpage www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota .